Output feedback controller for polytopic systems exploiting the direct searching of the design space

This paper deals with the problem of designing a robust static output feedback controller for polytopic systems. The current research that tackled this problem is mainly based on LMI method, which is conservative by nature. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed, which considers the design space of the controller parameters and iteratively partitions the space to small simplexes. Then, by assessing the stability in each simplex, the solution space for design parameters is directly determined. It has been theoretically proved that, if there exists a feasible solution in the design space, the algorithm can find it. To validate the result of the proposed approach, comparative simulation examples are given to illustrate the performance of the design methodology as compared to those of previous approaches.     

Ni-Rhodanine Complex Supported on FSM-16 as Mesoporous Silica Support: Synthesis,Characterization and Application in Synthesis of Tri and Tetrasubstituted Imidazoles and 3,4-Dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H)-Ones

A new, efficient and recoverable heterogeneous catalyst was successfully synthesized by functionalization of mesoporous silica FSM-16. The FSM-16/CPTMS-Rh-     

Characterization of the Ion Beam Current Density of the RF Ion Source with Flat and Convex Extraction Systems

Silicon - The characterization of ion beam current density distribution and beam uniformity is crucial for improving broad-beam ion source technologies. The design of the broad ion beam extraction...     

Wavefront reduction using graphs,neural networks and genetic algorithm

This paper presents an algorithm for nodal numbering in order to obtain a small wavefront. Element clique graphs are employed as the mathematical models of finite element meshes. A priority function containing five vectors is used, which can be viewed as a generalization of Sloan's function. These vectors represent different connectivity properties of the graph models. Unlike Sloan's algorithm, which uses two fixed coefficients, here, five coefficients are employed, based on an evaluation by artificial neural networks. The networks weights are obtained using a simple genetic algorithm. Examples are included to illustrate the performance of the present hybrid method. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new adaptation of mapping method to study mixing of multiphase flows in mixers with complex geometries

The main objective of the present work is to modify the traditional mapping method for the simulation of distributive mixing of multiphase flows in geometries involving moving parts such as, internal mixers or twin-screw extruders without a limitation on their geometrical periodicity. The periodicity condition, limits the results of traditional mapping method to tracking mapping mesh between specific discrete time intervals or distances for that geometry is repeated, hence, result is only for fixed orientation of rotors. Imaginary domain method is introduced to track mapping mesh from one state to the next free of geometrical periodicity limitations. In this work the method is introduced and its applicability and accuracy is discussed in details. A two-dimensional (2D) simulation of mixing of two Newtonian fluids with different viscosities in an intermeshing internal mixer is used as a test case study. In this example the key issues of ability to predict mixing state in details for all orientations of rotors is presented. To reduce diffusion errors of mapping method in the boundaries of the rotors, mapping mesh refinement technique that relies upon one single reference mesh is also presented.     

On the modal incremental dynamic analysis

In this article a new technique for the dynamic response of structures is investigated. This applied procedure can predict the approximate seismic performance of the structures and it is fast, inexpensive and results are reasonably acceptable. In fact, this novel method logically combines two different techniques, ‘incremental dynamic analysis (IDA)’ and ‘modal pushover analysis (MPA)’, presented by other researchers. This method will take advantage of both methodical ideas such as equivalent single degree of freedom of multi‐degree structures and the implementation of different scaled level of an earthquake record to the provided equivalent SDF structure. Using this procedure, simple approximate curves that present a realistic linear and non‐linear seismic behaviour of the structure due to the applied scaled level of earthquakes can easily be extracted. In this investigation, several four‐, eight‐ and 12‐storey structures are specified as the example models and are dynamically analysed. Next, three different scaled earthquakes, El Centro, Northridge and San Fernando, are applied to each example problem. The results of the presented technique, modal incremental dynamic analysis (MIDA), are then compared with the IDA method. Comparison of the results reveals good accuracy in building seismic demands evaluation. Finally, it is also shown that the MIDA method is simple enough to be carried out on most personal computers and the authors believe this technique will serve design engineers working in real design conditions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimizing the Runoff Estimation with HEC-HMS Model Using Spatial Evapotranspiration by the SEBS Model

Most of the commonly used hydrological models do not account for the actual evapotranspiration (ETa) as a key contributor to water loss in semi-arid/arid regions. In this study, the HEC-HMS (Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrologic Modeling System) model was calibrated, modified, and its performance in simulating runoff resulting from short-duration rainfall events was evaluated. The model modifications included integrating spatially distributed ETa, calculated using the surface energy balance system (SEBS), into the model. Evaluating the model’s performance in simulating runoff showed that the default HEC-HMS model underestimated the runoff with root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.14 m³/s (R²?=?0.92) while incorporating SEBS ETa into the model reduced RMSE to 0.01 m³/s (R²?=?0.99). The integration of HECHMS and SEBS resulted in smaller and more realistic latent heat flux estimates translated into a lower water loss rate and a higher magnitude of runoff simulated by the HECHMS model. The difference between runoff simulations using the default and modified model translated into an average of 95,000 m³ runoff per rainfall event (equal to seasonal water requirement of ten-hectare winter wheat) that could be planned and triggered for agricultural purposes, flood harvesting, and groundwater recharge in the region. The effect of ETa on the simulated runoff volume is expected to be more pronounced during high evaporative demand periods, longer rainfall events, and larger catchments. The outcome of this study signifies the importance of implementing accurate estimates of evapotranspiration into a hydrological model.